In response to what Iran claims was a violation by the U.S. on the nuclear deal, President Hassan Rouhani has ordered his nation’s scientist to begin the development of projects for nuclear-powered marine vessels. According to experts, this latest move by Iran could eventually lead to the country’s development of nuclear weapons.
Through an announcement made by Rouhani on Tuesday, the Iranian president noted that the U.S. Congress’ decision to prolong the sanctions imposed on Tehran is a clear violation of the international nuclear deal signed in 2015. Rouhani said that the extension of these sanctions would make it easier for the U.S. and other nations involved in the deal to re-impose limitations that were previously lifted.
Although the Iranian president did not go into detail regarding the new project, the notion of nuclear propulsion is widely known as the main system used on tactical submarines. By relying on the power produced by nuclear reactors, these marine vessels can stay submerged for long periods of time without being detected, RT reported.
But aside from building powerful transportation systems, nuclear experts fear that Iran’s latest undertaking could lead to the creation of atomic bombs. That’s because in order to develop nuclear propulsion, Iran might have to enhance uranium resources until they achieve fissile purity, a level that exceeds the limit set in the nuclear deal, according to Reuters. As noted by experts, this limit was enforced in order to prevent Iran from venturing into the development of nuclear weapons.
The White House, on the other hand, stressed that Rouhani’s announcement does not violate the nuclear deal.
“The announcement from the Iranians today does not run counter to the international agreement to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon,” spokesperson Josh Earnest said during a press conference.
John Kirby, the spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, noted that the International Atomic Energy Agency will ensure that no violations will be committed by Iran through the organization’s regular inspections of the country’s nuclear facilities.
